What is the first treatment tried for skin sarcoidosis?

Skin sarcoidosis is an inflammatory condition in which granulomas form in the skin. It may appear as firm bumps, plaques, scars, or changes around an old injury, and the pattern can vary widely. An intralesional steroid injection places anti-inflammatory medicine directly into a selected lesion. This local approach can be considered when there are limited areas to treat, but diagnosis and treatment planning should account for possible involvement of other organs.

A dermatologist may examine the lesions and review biopsy results, medicines, breathing symptoms, eye symptoms, and general health before injecting. The area is cleaned, and medicine is placed within the lesion using a fine needle. Follow the aftercare instructions and report marked pain, skin breakdown, or a change in colour or texture at the injection site. If lesions are widespread, numerous, disfiguring, or accompanied by organ symptoms, oral corticosteroid treatment or another specialist plan may be discussed.

Seek prompt review for new breathing difficulty, persistent cough, chest discomfort, faintness, visual changes, or painful red eyes. Contact the treating team for rapidly spreading lesions, ulceration, severe tenderness, or signs of infection after an injection. These symptoms need assessment because sarcoidosis can involve organs beyond the skin and because other conditions can resemble it.

Ask whether the lesions are suitable for an intralesional steroid injection, how many areas can be treated in one visit, and what local changes to watch for. Ask whether you need assessment for lung or eye involvement and when oral treatment would be considered.